Bruce Springsteen Ordered Team to ‘Trash This S—‘ Weeks Before “Born to Run ”Album Release

Bruce Springsteen Had Cold Feet About Releasing ‘Born to Run’ Album

Renowned musician Bruce Springteen’s iconic 1975 album, “Born to Run,” has long been hailed as a classic in the rock and roll genre. However, little did fans know that The Boss almost called it quits on the album just weeks before its planned release. Author Peter Ames Carlin delves deep into this pivotal moment in his latest book, “Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run.”

According to Carlin, Springsteen, now 75, was struck with doubt and uncertainty about his work on the album right after its recording. Despite putting his heart and soul into the songs and crafting a narrative that resonated with authenticity, Springsteen began to question whether the final product truly captured the essence he had intended. He felt that the tracks were perhaps “too slick” and lacked the rawness he desired.

The turning point came for Springsteen when he listened to the final version of the album in Kutztown, Penn. During the track “Jungleland,” the musician found himself critiquing his own performance, feeling that he was overdoing it and that certain elements, like the saxophone, were verging on cliché. In a moment of uncertainty, he even suggested scrapping the album altogether and starting afresh.

Springsteen’s inner turmoil led him to contact producer Jon Landau, expressing his preference for live recordings over the studio-polished tracks on “Born to Run.” Landau, aged 78, had to navigate a tense conversation with Springsteen, trying to convince him that the album was a significant achievement and that his creative ideas could be saved for future records.

One of Springsteen’s deepest fears at the time was the commercial success of his previous two albums. He worried that if “Born to Run” didn’t meet expectations, he might not have the opportunity to release more music. However, Landau remained steadfast in his belief in Springsteen’s talent and future potential, assuring him that this album was a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Despite Springsteen’s initial misgivings, his manager Mike Appel played a crucial role in persuading him to proceed with the release of “Born to Run.” In a moment of candid reflection during a car ride back to New York, Appel’s unconventional approach forced Springsteen to reassess his doubts and ultimately commit to letting the album see the light of day.

Ultimately, “Born to Run” hit the shelves on September 1, 1975, and went on to claim the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track became Springsteen’s first Top 40 hit, solidifying his place in music history. The album’s success marked a breakthrough for Springsteen and the E Street Band, paving the way for a prolific career that has seen the release of eighteen studio albums.

Carlin’s book, “Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run,” offers a captivating insight into a pivotal moment in Springsteen’s career and the making of a legendary album that almost never made it to the public. Springsteen’s journey from doubt to triumph serves as a reminder of the artist’s resilience and unwavering commitment to his craft.